Defence Family Matters
To find out about events for ADF families in Amberley and Ipswich, visit our Eventbrite page. You'll be able to RSVP, add events to your calendar and share with friends.
With the internet and social media flooded with a range of COVID-19 information and advice, it’s important to make sure the information you’re seeking comes from an official source. To help you, we’ve put together a list of official websites where families can get up-to-date information about a range of COVID issues like travel restrictions and border closures, non-essential travel and fines, testing locations, school arrangements, jobs and business information.
If you are looking for national information and contacts about COVID-19, see the Coronavirus tab on our Emergency and Crisis webpage.
We have also developed a Coronavirus Advice webpage which has a range of information and resources about wellbeing, tips to manage in isolation, how to support kids, maintaining healthy relationships and information about reunion leave arrangements.
For more mental health and wellbeing information and resources see our Health and Wellbeing webpage.
Information about Defence’s involvement in the whole-of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including live blog updates can be found at the Defence response to COVID-19.
We’ve also put together some other educational resources that may help families with children during COVID-19 restrictions.
Community groups & centres
Community group facilities are currently closed due to the COVID-19 restrictions, but you can still get involved with their online activities and virtual catch-ups. If you want to get in touch with a community group in your area, follow them on Facebook to keep up-to-date.
Amberley Defence Families Inc. provide an opportunity for Amberley families to socialise with their children and provide mutual support in a safe, friendly and fun environment. Due to Covid 19 we are currently closed. You can find out about our online activities by following us on Facebook.
If you are interested in attending please join us on Facebook.
Where: Minka Place, Main St, Ripley Town Centre, Ripley QLD
Further information: Amberley Defence Families Inc.
Email: amberleydefencecommunities@gmail.com | Facebook
The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation supports kids living in families affected by mental illness. The program provides recreational educational camps and other activities, giving kids a break, in a fun, positive and safe environment. Kids have the opportunity to meet other kids in similar families and develop new friendships.
Kookaburra Kids Head Office
PO BOX 681 Gymea 2227
(02) 9525 7474
Website: Kookaburra Kids website
Facebook: Kookaburra Kids
The Defence Special Needs Support Group is a non-profit benevolent volunteer organisation established to assist ADF families with a family member with special needs.
More info: DSNSG Amberley
A social group for members Single, MWDU, and have no children, meet once a month at various locations and events around the Ipswich region.
More information: Owen 0425 376 550 | Donna 0413 457 867
Open Arms continues to provide 24/7 counselling and support services to Australia's military community during COVID-19. If you have served one day of continuous full-time service in the ADF you can call them for support. They also support families, reservists and some peacekeepers. Call Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 for free, confidential counselling and group programs to support mental health and wellbeing.
Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling | Group Programs | Facebook
Regional info
The following resources and websites can give you a good grounding in local information and services available.
Visit the aircraft noise website for information about Defence's management of aircraft noise near Childcare facilities
